Photo of Dr. Jackee Jackson
This Election Day, local elections across the country will shape the policies and choose the leaders that influence our daily lives. In addition to hundreds of local elections, New Jersey and Virginia will vote on statewide offices, like Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and state legislators.
As millions of disabled voters head to the polls today, we asked Dr. Jackee Jackson, a leader from REV UP New Jersey, to share her journey as a voter and why building the power of the disability vote matters.
When I turned 19 years old, I had an opportunity to cast my first vote in my local township. Being a first-time voter was a huge milestone for me because it symbolized adulthood and civic responsibility as a United States citizen. It gave me a sense of pride and feeling of empowerment. It was a liberating experience knowing that my vote has power and that my vote is my voice.
Reflecting back on my ancestors who “fought, bled, cried and died” for the right to vote motivated me to become actively engaged in the election process for the rest of my life. I sincerely honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for African Americans and other minorities to vote.
I am grateful for the 15th and 19th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution which granted African American men and women the right to vote. I am also grateful for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Civil Rights Movement, and Affirmative Action for securing voting rights and other opportunities for African Americans.
Voting is a fundamental right for all citizens, yet people with disabilities continue to struggle to vote. Over the years, I have served as a poll worker and I learned that many polling sites were not accessible or accommodating to people with disabilities.
Sadly, even though July 26, 2025 marked the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), not all polling places are accessible. Architectural barriers, including a lack of accessible parking spaces, curb cuts, or automatic doors, can make it difficult for voters with disabilities to vote in person and even keep them from accessing the ballot entirely.
This inspired me to advocate for accessible polling sites to ensure that people with disabilities can register and cast their votes. I realized that one way for me to do this was to join REV UP, which stands for “Register, Educate, Vote, Use Your Power”.
As a strong disability advocate in New Jersey, I am part of the REV UP Voting campaign with the Alliance Center for Independence (ACI). REV UP is composed of state and national coalitions, as well as other disability organizations. Their goal is to increase the disability vote through voter registration drives and voter education in order to protect and foster community civic engagement for Americans with disabilities.
I am involved with REV UP and ACI to help make the disability vote count. I am passionate about being the voice for the voiceless and speaking out on behalf of the disability community.
According to the Rutgers Program for Disability Research, the voting turnout of people with disabilities is on the rise. Close to 62% of people with disabilities voted in 2020, compared to 56% in 2016. These statistics reveal the importance of motivating the next generations to register and vote.
However, voting suppression also continues to rise. Therefore, it is crucial for voters with disabilities to urge Congress to expand and improve the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to preserve our democracy and protect the rights of people with disabilities.
As a seasoned voter for over 45 years, I have learned that every vote counts and every election matters, whether it is the school board or the Presidential election. Voting is the best way to voice your opinion on issues that are important to you. In the disability community, we advocate for “Nothing About Us, Without Us”.
The theme of REV UP, “Register, Educate, Vote, Use Your Power”, is of vital importance to me because it sends a powerful message to voters with disabilities. I strongly believe that it is crucial to inform voters with disabilities that they have options when planning to register to vote.
As a voter with a disability, you have the right to:
- Vote privately and independently
- Have an accessible polling place and accessible voting machines
- Seek assistance from workers at the polling place who have been trained to use the accessible voting machines
- Bring someone to help you vote. (As long as that person is not your employer or union representative. Different states may have additional restrictions on voter assistance.)
For this upcoming election, and all elections, I encourage voters with disabilities to use your power to vote and join REV UP. The final message that I want to send to all voters with disabilities is to remember that:
Our vote matters!
Our vote is our voice!
Our voices deserve to be heard!
Remember what Justin Dart, known as the Godfather of the ADA, said…
“Vote as if your life depends on it … because it does!”
To get connected to REV UP New Jersey and or find a REV UP coalition in your area, go to: www.aapd.com/revup-join/. You can find state coalition calls and national calls on our REV UP Event Dashboard. The next REV UP National Call will be on November 19, 1-3 p.m. ET. Stay connected to the REV UP movement by joining our listserv.
Bio: Doctor Jacqueline Jackson, is a “Voice for the Voiceless” and a strong well-known advocate in New Jersey and is passionate about restoring the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Jackson has been instrumental with her advocacy efforts with the Association for People with Disabilities (AAPD/REVUP), Alliance for Independence (ACI) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) lobbying on the local level, the state level in Trenton and on the federal level in Washington DC. Jackson has visited the White House many times and has personally met President Obama.